Jul
18

Larry Fuller Trio Rooted in the hard-swinging traditions of mainstream jazz, world-class New York City based pianist & last pianist with legendary Ray Brown brings all-star trio to BLU! Featuring Larry Fuller, Katie Thiroux, Matt Witek.

Saturday, July 18


Join us as we welcome the sensational world-class jazz pianist, Larry Fuller, back to his home state of Ohio for a swingin’ affair at BLU Jazz+!
 
Rooted in the hard-swinging traditions of mainstream jazz, Larry was the last pianist with legendary bassist Ray Brown’s Trio, a member of the Jeff Hamilton Trio, and most recently a member of the John Pizzarelli Quartet. Larry’s playing has been described by critics as “summarizing the history of jazz.”
 

“He brings a vitality—he swings hard and I like that!”
– Ray Brown

 
Raised in Toledo, Ohio, Fuller began his musical studies at age 11, immediately showing a talent for jazz. At 13, Floyd “Candy” Johnson, a veteran of the Count Basie and Duke Ellington Orchestras, took Fuller under his wing, hiring him for regular paying gigs. In his early years, Fuller became a regular on the Midwest jazz circuit, performing frequently in Detroit and Ann Arbor.
 
Over the years, Larry Fuller has also performed with Harry “Sweets” Edison, Stanley Turrentine, Phil Woods, Clark Terry, Herb Ellis, Marlena Shaw, Kevin Mahogany, John Clayton, John Heard, Bennie Golson, Emily Remler, Jimmy Witherspoon, Eddie Harris, Anita O’Day, Steve Allen, Regina Carter, Nicholas Payton, and John Legend.
 
Joining Larry for his debut in the Rubber City is Katie Thiroux (upright bass) and Matt Witek (drums). This will be a very special evening of top shelf jazz at its finest – don’t miss out, get your tickets today!
 


 

About Larry Fuller

Based in New York City, Larry Fuller is a world-class jazz pianist rooted in the hard-swinging traditions of mainstream jazz. Larry was the last pianist with legendary bassist Ray Brown’s Trio, a member of the Jeff Hamilton Trio, and most recently a member of the John Pizzarelli Quartet. Larry’s playing has been described by critics as “summarizing the history of jazz.”
 
Raised in Toledo, Ohio, Fuller began his musical studies at age 11, immediately showing a talent for jazz. At 13, Floyd “Candy” Johnson, a veteran of the Count Basie and Duke Ellington Orchestras, took Fuller under his wing, hiring him for regular paying gigs. In his early years, Fuller became a regular on the Midwest jazz circuit, performing frequently in Detroit and Ann Arbor.
 
From 1988-1993, Fuller worked with vocal great Ernestine Anderson, and moved to Seattle as her pianist and musical director. He performed and recorded with Anderson including on her Grammy-nominated CD, “Now and Then.”
 

“In his amazing gossamer piano solos, he sprinkles stardust on whatever song he plays; you hold your breath in wonder…”
Stephen Holden, New York Times

 
In 1994, Fuller joined the trio of world-renowned drummer Jeff Hamilton, a 12-year associate of the Ray Brown Trio and member of the bands of Gene Harris and Oscar Peterson. Fuller performed with and recorded numerous Jeff Hamilton Trio classics, including Live!, It’s Hamilton Time, and Live at Steamers.
 
In 2000, Fuller joined the Ray Brown Trio. Ray’s place in jazz history is well known, from the days of Dizzy Gillespie’s big band to his long-standing association with Oscar Peterson. Larry had the honor of being Brown’s last pianist.
 
From 2005-2013, Fuller performed with guitar and vocal great John Pizzarelli, touring and recording as part of the John Pizzarelli Quartet. Recordings include With a Song in My Heart, Double Exposure and Rockin’ In Rhythm. The International Review of Music recognized Larry’s contributions on Rockin’ In Rhythm: “pianist Larry Fuller’s brilliant work throughout – especially the buoyant stride solo – nearly steals the record”.
 
Larry Fuller has also performed with Harry “Sweets” Edison, Stanley Turrentine, Phil Woods, Clark Terry, Herb Ellis, Marlena Shaw, Kevin Mahogany, John Clayton, John Heard, Bennie Golson, Emily Remler, Jimmy Witherspoon, Eddie Harris, Anita O’Day, Steve Allen, Regina Carter, Nicholas Payton, and John Legend.
 
Today, Fuller performs as band leader. His new, self-titled album dropped on September 16, 2014, and received consistent, exceptional praise. All About Jazz says: “Chops, class, and in-the-pocket ensemble playing are all on full display. There’s plenty to marvel at.”

$25

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BLU Jazz+

47 E. Market Street

Akron, OH 44308

(330) 252-1190


Open Tuesday & Thursday-Saturday, 7pm - 11:30pm

 
 
BLU Jazz+ named one of the "Best International Jazz Venues" by DownBeat Magazine
   
 
Committed to the preservation of America's treasured art form of jazz, BLU Jazz+ Masterclass Foundation (BJMF) is a new program developed by the founders of BLU Jazz+ Akron that brings “front-row” jazz education performance & mentorship opportunities to student musicians and art lovers alike through an ongoing series of special events throughout the year.
   
 

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